CHILD ONLINE ACCESS PROTECTION BILL

What Is This Policy?

A bill to protect children from harmful online content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, establishing legal safeguards for children's digital safety.

Who Does It Target?

Children and minors, parents, educators, internet service providers, social media platforms, and content providers.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect children from online harm, regulate children's access to harmful digital content, combat cyberbullying and online exploitation, and establish standards for child-safe digital environments.

Key Features

Online Protection: Establishes legal protections for children in digital spaces Platform Responsibility: Places obligations on internet and social media platforms to protect minors Age Verification: May include provisions for age verification mechanisms Cyberbullying Prevention: Addresses cyberbullying and online harassment of children

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Under legislative consideration Coverage: Nationwide; all digital platforms accessible in Nigeria Funding: Federal Government appropriation and industry compliance

How to Access

Not yet in force. Current protections under the Child Rights Act and Cybercrimes Act remain in effect.

Impact & Metrics

Would provide comprehensive digital safety protections for Nigeria's growing population of young internet users.

Official Resources

Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja

Legal Framework

Introduced under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Draws on Section 34 (dignity) and Section 37 (privacy) of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Child Rights Act 2003, the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the NITDA Act 2007, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. Aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on Personal Data Protection, and the Lanzarote Convention.